Opposition MP Premila Kumar has expressed strong disapproval of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to expand his Cabinet, raising concerns over the apparent neglect of his government’s pre-election promises to reduce costs and streamline the administration. Kumar’s criticisms come after the Prime Minister appointed seven additional ministers and assistant ministers, bringing the total to a historic 34 members, including 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers.

“What happened to their promise of reducing government size and cutting unnecessary costs?” Kumar questioned, suggesting that instead of addressing inefficiencies or holding underperforming ministers accountable, Rabuka’s administration has created a larger bureaucratic structure that increases financial burdens on taxpayers already struggling with high living costs.

The Opposition MP emphasized that the funds spent on this expanded Cabinet could have been better allocated towards urgent national issues, such as recovery efforts for families affected by recent floods, combating chronic shortages of medicines in hospitals, providing free bus fares for senior citizens, and repairing deteriorating infrastructure.

Kumar described the expansion as a “bailout” for underperforming officials rather than a genuine reshuffle, accusing the Prime Minister of preserving the status quo at the expense of hardworking Fijians. “This is not governance; it’s desperation,” she stated, illustrating her belief that the Cabinet enlargement contradicts Rabuka’s prior commitments to curtail unnecessary expenditures.

In response to the backlash, Prime Minister Rabuka defended the Cabinet expansion as a necessary step to improve government efficiency and service delivery, claiming it was not an attempt to consolidate power in preparation for the 2026 General Election.

This issue has sparked significant discourse about governance and accountability in Fiji, with former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry also criticizing the Cabinet expansion as “irresponsible.” Critics argue that this decision undermines public confidence and could detract from crucial development projects.

Amidst the ongoing debate, there remains potential for governance reforms. The heightened scrutiny could prompt the administration to reassess its policies and strategies, potentially leading to a government that better aligns with the needs and expectations of its citizens. Advocates for reform are hopeful that increased dialogue about accountability will foster improvements in public service delivery and restore trust in the government.

In summary, while the cabinet expansion has drawn considerable criticism for perceived inefficiency and lack of accountability, it also presents an essential opportunity for reform, urging the government to prioritize the genuine concerns of the public and improve its responsiveness to the needs of Fijians.